IIT Bombay postpones mid-sem exams after student Sahil Wakode's death
Synopsis
IIT Bombay has postponed its mid-semester exams after second-year student Sahil Wakode was found dead in his hostel room on 18 September. With a Crime Branch investigation underway, a professor sent on leave amid caste-discrimination allegations, and Rahul Gandhi personally reaching out to the family, a campus tragedy has rapidly escalated into a national issue of institutional accountability.
Key Takeaways
IIT Bombay postponed mid-semester exams from 26–27 September to 10–11 October following the death of student Sahil Wakode .
Wakode, a second-year B.Tech student, was found hanging in his hostel room on 18 September , hours after allegedly being caught with a mobile phone during an exam.
A case of abetment to suicide and caste-based discrimination has been registered against Professor Suryanarayana Doolla , who has been sent on leave.
The Mumbai Police Crime Branch is investigating all angles; police have urged the public not to spread misinformation.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi called Wakode's family, assuring support in seeking justice, while Youth Congress announced a press conference on the matter.
IIT Bombay has postponed its mid-semester examinations following the death of second-year student Sahil Wakode, the institute announced on Thursday, 24 September 2026. The exams, originally scheduled for 26–27 September, have been rescheduled to 10–11 October (Saturday and Sunday), with the same timetable to be followed.
Key Developments
Wakode, a second-year B.Tech student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was found hanging in his hostel room on the Powai campus on the evening of 18 September. According to reports, the incident occurred hours after he was allegedly caught using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination. Classes at the IIT Powai campus had resumed on Wednesday, days after Wakode's purported suicide triggered protests on campus.
Family's Allegations and Police Investigation
Wakode's family has levelled serious allegations against the IIT Bombay administration and certain officials. His parents have demanded the immediate arrest of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who has been named in connection with the case. A case has been registered against Doolla on allegations including abetment to suicide and caste-based discrimination. He has since been sent on leave amid the ongoing investigation, according to sources.
The Mumbai Police Crime Branch is currently investigating the matter. On Wednesday, the police stated that the investigation was being conducted impartially and that all possible angles were being examined. They also appealed to the public to refrain from spreading misinformation about the case.
Rahul Gandhi Reaches Out to Family
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi spoke to Sahil's family over the phone on Thursday, assuring them of his support in their pursuit of justice, according to Maharashtra Congress. Gandhi reportedly expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and pledged all possible support in seeking justice for Sahil. Separately, the Youth Congress was scheduled to hold a press conference on Thursday afternoon to announce its future strategy and next course of action in the matter.
Broader Context and What It Signals
The incident has reignited a wider national conversation about student welfare, academic pressure, and caste-based discrimination at premier educational institutions. Notably, this is not the first time an IIT campus has been at the centre of controversy over a student death involving allegations of institutional negligence. Critics argue that punitive mechanisms around examination conduct — and the institutional response to student distress — warrant urgent review. The involvement of the Mumbai Police Crime Branch, alongside political attention from senior national leaders, signals that the case has moved well beyond a campus matter.
What Happens Next
The rescheduled mid-semester exams are set for 10–11 October. The Crime Branch investigation is ongoing, and Wakode's family continues to press for Doolla's arrest. With Youth Congress entering the political fray and national opposition leaders weighing in, the pressure on both the institute and law enforcement is likely to intensify in the coming days.
Point of View
Punitive examination protocols, and the mental health of students from marginalised communities. Sending a professor on leave and rescheduling exams are administrative responses — they are not accountability. The Crime Branch investigation is the real test: if allegations of caste-based discrimination are substantiated, this becomes a landmark case for how elite institutions are held responsible for their duty of care. Political attention from the national opposition raises the stakes further, but it also risks reducing a systemic crisis to a partisan talking point.
NationPress
24 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode?
Sahil Wakode, a second-year B.Tech student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering at IIT Bombay, was found hanging in his hostel room on the Powai campus on the evening of 18 September. The incident reportedly occurred hours after he was allegedly caught using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination.
Why has IIT Bombay postponed its mid-semester exams?
IIT Bombay postponed the mid-semester exams, originally scheduled for 26–27 September, to 10–11 October in the wake of Sahil Wakode's death and the protests it triggered on campus. The rescheduled exams will follow the same timetable.
Who is Professor Suryanarayana Doolla and why is he under investigation?
Professor Suryanarayana Doolla is an IIT Bombay faculty member who has been named in connection with Wakode's death. A case has been registered against him on allegations of abetment to suicide and caste-based discrimination; he has been sent on leave amid the ongoing probe.
What is the current status of the police investigation?
The Mumbai Police Crime Branch is investigating the case and has stated that all possible angles are being examined impartially. Police have also appealed to the public to avoid spreading misinformation about the matter.
How has the political establishment responded to Wakode's death?
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi spoke to Wakode's family by phone on 24 September, assuring them of support in seeking justice, according to Maharashtra Congress. The Youth Congress also scheduled a press conference on Thursday to announce its strategy on the case.
